What Kate Moss and Kate Middleton have in common

MANILA, Philippines - Off the runway or the red carpet, celebs like the great Kates tend to make their everyday mark in ballet flats by French Sole.

A favorite of celebrities and fashion icons alike, British shoe label French Sole famous for its trademark ballet flat — has officially set foot in the Philippines. Stylish yet wholly practical, French Sole has been spotted on fashionable women on-the-go — Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz, Blake Lively, Kate Moss and Olivia Palermo, just to name a few. It was also known to be the everyday shoe of the late Princess Diana.

As comfortable as French Sole footwear is, it never compromises on style. The brand offers a wide range of designs for women (at least eight different shapes), which take into consideration wide and narrow foot types. French Sole comes in a variety of textiles—woven, crocodile, pony hair, jaguar print, snakeskin—as well as many prints to choose from.

So take a cue from your favorite fashion icon and grab yourself a pair of these coveted shoes at Bonifacio High Street.

source: philstar.com

Why Yosi is good for you

There are flats and there are flats. Some are pretty to look at but score poorly on the comfort scorecard, while others are practical and feel good on the feet but fail to register on the style radar.   Then there is Yosi Samra, the eponymous New York brand that got the cool factor plus comfort balance right down to fashion pat. Their sophisticated collection of flats — from straightforward leather to exotic animal skin — recently debuted locally bringing the Yosi Samra fashion fever that has spread in Hollywood and New York to Manila.  If you are in the market (or not!) for a great pair of flats, head over to check out their line and see what chic celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba, Charlize Theron, Mila Kunis, Halle Berry, Eva Longoria, Selena Gomez and Isla Fisher are going gaga over.


Yosi Samra is a second-generation Israeli shoe impresario who learned the craft from his father, a cobbler for a select, discerning clientele. The shoe designer absorbed the fine art while watching his father lovingly create great shoe pieces. Each pair of Yosi Samra is crafted not only to be stylish but also to be supremely snug. The sole cushioning guarantees ultimate comfort, the folding elastic band creates a secure fit, and the leather is culled from the best materials — real cow leather, pig skin, kid suede, sheepskin, nubuck, and calfskin — to give you a pair that’s a second-skin sexy fit. This is why Hollywood celebrities are seen wearing this cult fashion brand on their days off.

I took mine for a test drive on a recent trip to Italy and let me tell you, the brand does not lie when it says their shoes feel like second-skin. My feet were in comfort nirvana from taking strolls on the beaches in Puglia to walking on the cobble-stoned roads of Milan; my pink suede silver glitter-tipped version of the flats provided enough support for all the hours I spent on my feet. I received several compliments from Italian women and felt right at home strutting my Yosi Samras on the famed fashionable Via Montenapoleone and Via Spiga. Back in Tokyo, they felt right at home on the concrete pavements of Ginza, Omotesando and Harajuku.

What’s not to love? Yosi Samra comes in a range of styles and colors in soft, supple and sturdy leather finished with prints, glitter and studs. Pair a studded T-strap design with a denim ensemble or a Lace Two-Tone version with a little black dress and you are good to step out in style. Whether you’re kickin’ it at an after-party or just kickin’ around with your gal pals at the mall, dressed up or dressed down, Yosi Samra is your go-to brand. Best of all, Yosi Samra shoes are foldable and come in cute little black 100-percent cotton pouches; you can stash them in your tote, throw them in your suitcase with very minimal space requirement and whip them out after a long day in feet-killing heels without damaging its design integrity.

Since 2009, Yosi Samra has expanded its fashionable footprint around the world to include flip-flops, bags, loafers, booties and kids fold-up flats in response to market demands. Browse through celebrity photos and you’ll see them wearing their Yosi Samras on the streets of Los Angeles and New York on their hang loose, casual outings about town.

Want to count Hollywood celebrities as your comrades-in-flats? Head out to a Yosi Samra store near you.

source: philstar.com

Why these style bloggers love Charles & Keith

MANILA, Philippines - Kelly Misa, Kryz Uy, Vern and Verniece Enciso and Cheyser Pedregosa are Charles & Keith’s newest brand ambassadors. The fashion-forward shoe brand kicked off its winter collection by choosing these stylish individuals to represent the Charles & Keith woman. As its loyal fanbase continues to grow, the brand stays true to its thrust of providing world-class trendy shoes and accessories.

Professional model and host Kelly Misa has dominated the world of fashion and beauty through numerous endorsements and magazine covers. Kryz Uy, a Cebuana blogger, creative director, and stylist, has gained popularity the world over through her unique style and sense of fashion. Cheyser Pedregosa, a Davao-based blogger and future interior designer, has inspired other “walking recessionistas” to find ways of making fashion fun, easy, and budget-friendly. Style blogger and sisters Vern and Verniece Enciso complete the team. Vern is a student and intern at the Senate while Verniece is an award-winning ice skater. All five have their own unique sense of fashion—unified by their longtime support and love for the brand.

Do you remember your first Charles & Keith item? What was it and how did it relate to your fashion style back then?                                                                

KELLY MISA: It was a pair of basic nude flats. My style has always been a balance of classic mixed with trendy pieces, and those nude flats were definitely part of my everyday wardrobe. I was able to use them for a long time before I had to retire them. After that, I was hooked. Now, I always go to Charles & Keith when I want stylish and comfortable pairs of shoes.                           

KRYZ UY: Gosh, I can’t remember! I’ve been a Charles & Keith fan ever since it opened its first store in Cebu, and I can’t count the number of pairs my mom, sisters and I have enjoyed!                                                                                                              

CHEYSER PEDREGOSA: I was in second-year college (2008) when I had my first pair of shoes from Charles & Keith! It was a pair of tan suede ballet flats with cute ribbon details—the perfect shoe for a student who walked a lot in school!                                         



VERN ENCISO: I can’t even remember my first pair of shoes ‘cause I have about 10 pairs from the brand! What I do remember is that black bag of mine from Charles & Keith that I used as my first school bag in college. It may not be my first but it’s my most memorable one because it never failed me!
                       
                                       

VERNIECE ENCISO:  My first Charles & Keith item was a pair of purple peeptoes. I got the shoes two years ago and since then Charles & Keith has been one of the brands that have helped me adjust my wardrobe.

How has your style changed? How does the Charles & Keith image fit your current style?

Kelly: I think I was more carefree back then and open to just any style. I am now more confident, and I definitely know what I want. I like my outfits to look chic and put-together, always elegant and restrained. And it is as if Charles & Keith grew up with me, as I recently noticed a big improvement in its designs. The brand now carries more classy and sophisticated heels and flats, which perfectly fit my style.               

Kryz: My style has matured in terms of wearability and sophistication. I used to dress in playful and creative outfits without care. Now, I’ve learned to edit my fashion picks into pieces that are both stylish, yet practical. I think that’s why Charles & Keith is a perfect fit for me. The brand has fashion-forward pieces that are always on trend but never over the top.

Cheyser: My style is almost the same as before — loose shorts, sweaters, oversized tops, and vests — still very Boho. The only difference is that the colors I stick to now are more toned-down, something that suits my age.  Charles & Keith’s items lean more on the neutral and basic colors which makes it the perfect complement to my present style!

Vern: I’m definitely more experimental now. I like trying new trends but I always like that classic and crisp look. And having been a loyal buyer for about three years now, Charles & Keith items are like that—up to date, but never go out of style.

Verniece:  Now that I’m in college and a blogger, I need something stylish that does not compromise my comfort because I will be wearing them for long periods of time in school. 

There are numerous local and international footwear brands in the Philippines. What makes Charles & Keith different from the rest?

Kelly: I’ve always been a fan of Charles & Keith because of its stylish and wearable designs, but I have to say, it is the comfort of the shoe that I really appreciate. I usually end up wearing my Charles & Keith shoes practically every day, until I can’t wear them anymore!                                                                                                                    

Kryz: The brand has fashion-forward pieces that are always on trend but never over the top. They are not only affordable, but comfortable as well.

Cheyser: The brand doesn’t try too hard to be trendy. It sticks to stylish yet sophisticated pieces which are things that every girl needs!

Vern: It’s easily to relate to but not too cliché. There’s a pair of shoes for every kind of girl out there.

Verniece:  Trendy but always classy! 

How do you find the winter 2012 collection? Any favorites?

Kelly: I love the newest collection of Charles & Keith! They are super stylish and sexy. I love the pointed heels with snakeskin stripes on the front of the shoe; the gold shimmery heels; the platform lace-up boots; and the satin sky-high heels which I got in navy blue and champagne. The latest collection has amazing snakeskin tote bags, colorful leather shopper bags and bright pony hair bracelets that are just so pretty.

Kryz: I loved the nude booties Kelly wore, and the burgundy patent boots Cheyser wore! Can’t wait to find them in stores and grab myself a pair.

Cheyser: I’m a big fan of boots and the latest collection has boots written all over it. Definitely my favorite!

Vern: I love how the collection has office appropriate shoes with style never compromised.You have to visit the store and see the low heeled pointed heels that have cap toes— it comes in different prints!

 Verniece:  I love the boots the most. As an iceskater, I’ve always daydreamed of visiting places that have snow and I have yet to experience a white Christmas! 

The winter collection is available at Charles & Keith stores nationwide. For updates, features, and promotions from the brand, follow these blogs: Kryz Uy (kryzuy.com), Kelly Misa (kellymisa.tumblr.com), Cheyser Pedregosa (thewalkingrecessionista.com), Vern Enciso (www.vernenciso.com), and Verniece Enciso (www.verniece.com).

source: philstar.com